Chapter 15#

Basically, Wang Zheng hadn’t changed much from his past life.

He’d been good-looking since childhood, his features as if meticulously sculpted—in his youth, he had a delicate beauty that blurred gender lines. Now at this age, his contours had grown slightly more defined, and his frame was sturdy. Unlike the Ren family, the boys and girls of the Wang clan carried a sharp, cool aura, especially Wang Zheng. In recent years, he’d toned it down a bit, but that pride still lingered between his brows.

The boy with Wang Zheng was fairly famous. If I remembered correctly, he should be a freshman in high school. Some female classmates had mentioned him—said he was more charming than a girl, came from a good family, had great artistic talent, with parents who were both musicians, and even some Polish blood.

I only caught a glimpse of his profile. The kid had slightly wavy hair, lighter in color than most people’s, and a flushed smile with dimples on his cheeks. He was genuinely adorable, no wonder Wang Zheng liked him.

“Fatty, Fatty… you stunned or what?”

I slapped away Cheng Chen’s hand, which was waving in front of my eyes. Cheng Chen stared at that corner ahead, a mocking grin on his face. “That kid Fang Wei’s got moves. I heard from my buddies that he’s been following President Wang around all day, making eyes at him—pretty disgusting. Turns out those two really are something…”

I sighed and rubbed my eyes.

I felt more tired than usual today. As soon as I got back to the dorm, I sent Cheng Chen off, buried myself in bed, and slept like the dead. When a ringtone jolted me awake, I sprang up, stumbling and nearly tripping as I rushed to the desk, pulling my phone out of the drawer.

My soul snapped back into place.

“Aunt Fang—”

“Yeah, yeah, right, hehe—I do, I do, I’ve gotten a whole rounder, really. Huh? Old He’s just worried about you, Aunt Fang. I think you should go get checked out too—if your health goes, nothing’s worth it.”

“No trouble, huh? Yeah, Aunt Fang, you’re making my mouth water just talking about it—it’s not that I don’t want to stay home. I’d have to take the bus every day, it’s too tiring… Yeah, tell Old He I’ll take care of myself. Mm, that’s it. Bye.”

I’d gotten up too fast, and the aftereffects hit me. I shook my head, and my phone rang again—probably Aunt Fang forgetting to tell me something. That happened all the time. Without even looking, I snatched up the phone and answered.

“Aunt Fang, forget something again?”

“…”

“…Third Uncle.”

Old Madam Ren coming back from New Zealand—that was a top-tier event.

I figured quite a few people from the Ren and Wang families would gather at the house. Plus, although Old Madam Ren had been away for recuperation all these years, the fact that her health was gradually failing couldn’t be hidden. For the past few years, the Ren family pie had been firmly in Third Uncle Ren’s grip, with no one else getting a piece.

On top of that, there’d been rumors since the start of the year—that Old Madam Ren and Third Uncle Ren had fallen out, mother and son.

Hard to tell how much truth there was. During the New Year, I heard a few uncles talking about it, their tones laced with a bit of schadenfreude, saying Third Uncle Ren had had his share of glory and that his time was about up.

Actually, they didn’t see the full picture. Couldn’t really blame them—if I hadn’t lived another life, I might have thought the same. I’d once worked under him; no one knew Third Uncle Ren’s abilities and methods better than I did. Old Madam Ren should have been proud—the student surpassed the master. She’d given birth to a son even more ruthless than herself.

The voice on the other end of the line was stronger and more coherent than a few years ago. I wasn’t sure whether to thank modern medical technology or Dr. Xu’s miraculous skills.

Anyway, Third Uncle Ren’s health had indeed been improving in recent years. For important matters, he no longer had Uncle Jing relay messages. He spoke directly, concisely, and forcefully—no one dared to say no to that.

“Mm, I understand. This Friday… should I notify Wang Zheng?” Old Madam Ren loved lively gatherings. This time back, she was bound to stir up a storm.

“Is that so? So he already knows. Mm.”

There was a brief silence on the other end—or rather, from the very beginning, it had been eerily quiet, as if echoes could be heard. Finally, I said in a very soft tone, “Third Uncle… I’m hanging up now.”

There seemed to be a pause on the other end. Just as I was about to press the end button, that voice rang out again—

“Qiri.”

[Qiri.]

A knock came from the door.

“Th-Third Uncle, I… I’m busy right now. I-I’ve got to go.”

The knocking was urgent. I hurried to open the door. The dimness outside made me pause—so I’d slept this long. The watch hands showed that the dormitory curfew had passed hours ago. Wang Zheng stood outside, still in his school uniform. He must have just gotten back.

Over the years, Wang Zheng had kept growing taller. Though I’d also shot up, compared to Wang Zheng… well, it didn’t matter. This kind of advantage and disadvantage had been obvious since childhood, and I’d long adjusted my mindset.

Maybe it had drizzled earlier; the air outside was damp, and Wang Zheng’s hair was dotted with raindrops. He looked like he’d been caught in the rain. My heart tightened, and I suddenly remembered the time he’d caught a cold from getting wet. As soon as he stepped in, I grabbed a towel and draped it over him.

Kids… they never really know how to take care of themselves.

Wang Zheng sat on the bed, his expression gloomy. I turned on the main light and pulled open the curtains. When I looked back, I saw his gaze was fixed my way—probably staring out the window. I went to brew some hot tea. I’d thought about making coffee, but drinking coffee at night isn’t good for sleep. Besides, I only had instant coffee, and Wang Zheng’s palate was far too refined for that.

When I handed him the tea, Wang Zheng glanced up, took it, and wrapped himself in the towel. Then he suddenly asked, “Have you used this?”

For a moment, I didn’t catch on. Seeing him rub the light-colored towel, it hit me, and I flushed with embarrassment. “Uh, you, I… I grabbed it in a hurry. Let me get you a clean one—”

Wang Zheng’s eyelashes were long, like two little fans, fluttering with every blink. He lowered his eyes. “No need. This is fine.”

Wang Zheng would be taking his exams soon, so his studies were intense. Yet he still hadn’t slowed down his student council activities. Actually, it didn’t really matter—for Wang Zheng, the exams probably weren’t hard. In his past life, he’d gotten a 4.0.

“Is the student council busy lately? If you’re too tired, you should delegate some work to others. Don’t take it all on yourself.” I forced a casual smile. Teenagers have a thousand little calculations in their heads, and elders need to show some concern. Don’t ask me how I know… I read it in a book.

“Mm, it’s okay.” Wang Zheng looked up. “We’re holding elections now. Once that’s done, it’ll be fine.”

“Who are the candidates this year? All high school students?”

Wang Zheng said, “All high school. Three from the second semester of sophomore year…” Wang Zheng’s eyes fixed on me. “There are also some from the freshman class. You should know him—Fang Wei.”

I paused, suddenly at a loss for words. Wang Zheng went on, “Fang Wei is capable and ambitious. If the student council is left to him, he should manage it well. At the very least, he won’t mess things up.”

I said, “Has the president… already been chosen?”

Wang Zheng pulled something out of his pocket and held it out in front of me. I froze, then glanced at the pendant on my backpack—it was missing. That was a gift Wang Zheng had given me for my birthday last year. A white gold pendant with a crescent moon inside the ring. I’d liked it a lot.

“I had this custom-made. There should only be one like it in the world.”

Wang Zheng suddenly stood up, grabbed my wrist, and pressed the pendant into my hand.

His tone was dark. “You saw something?”

I frowned, puzzled. “What?”

I turned around, intending to hang the pendant back on my backpack, and sighed. “I thought you were in a mood about something else. Turns out you’re mad I lost your gift. Fine, fine—I’ll make it up to you, okay? It was my carelessness.”

I looked back at him, smiling. “Prince Wang, how about you stop being mad? The moment you walked in, I felt like I was facing my boss. Isn’t there enough in the student council for you to boss around? Have mercy, don’t turn your attention to me.” Wang Zheng’s expression was unreadable. I shook the pendant. “How about this: I’ll get a longer chain and wear it as a necklace, so I won’t lose it again. Deal? Stop scowling. You’re so grown up, but still so hard to please.”

“Who’s hard to please? If you’re not pleasing me, who are you going to please?” Wang Zheng strode over briskly, snatched the pendant from my hand, and put on a fierce face, but his brows curved upward. He looked stunningly handsome.

“Give it to me. I’ll have it reworked and give it back in a couple of days.” Wang Zheng’s lips curled up, a far cry from his earlier expression. I felt a little dizzy, my vision swimming.

Actually, Wang Zheng didn’t need to be so nervous. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell anyone. If it were for real, that would be fine, but Wang Zheng was still young. When he got older and thought it through, he wouldn’t fool around.

I’d understood from my past life: truly falling for someone is a lifetime commitment.

That matter with Wang Zheng fizzled out. Cheng Chen wasn’t one to gossip, but he’d occasionally tease me in private, his contempt obvious. Two days later, Wang Zheng used his position to call me to the student council meeting room over the intercom. I rushed over, thinking it was something important. When he opened the little box, took out the newly modified chain, and insisted on putting it on me, he kept asking if it looked good.

He smiled so wide his dimples showed. For President Wang, who usually wore a stern face, it was clear he was overjoyed.

I’d also seen Fang Wei in person a few times. He had a pleasant voice. When he saw me, he’d come over and sweetly call me “Senior Ren.” And when Wang Zheng wasn’t around, he’d pout adorably and murmur, “Senior, you’re so nice. The president is always so mean to us.”

That kid was pretty good—simple and pure. When he talked about Wang Zheng, his eyes lit up, and he’d go on about how amazing Wang Zheng was. As Wang Zheng said, Fang Wei was sharp and clever. Handing the student council over to him might bring more energy, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Cheng Chen was more averse to these matters. Whenever he saw Fang Wei from afar, he’d snort. His words were inevitably biased and not entirely reliable.

On Friday, if Wang Zheng hadn’t brought it up, I would have forgotten. Wang Zheng had arranged an early leave for me, but I made an excuse that my current studies were a bit tough and I shouldn’t skip class. Besides, I had a few formal outfits in my locker; leaving after school wouldn’t be too late—honestly, the later I could go back, the happier I’d be.

When I got back to the main house, several cars were already parked outside. It seemed Old Madam Ren had also invited a few uncles and aunts for the meal. As I stepped inside, I saw quite a few people. Old Madam Ren was sitting on the central sofa in the hall—looking at her complexion, she seemed well. She wore a light dusting of powder, a dark qipao, a coat, and her silver hair was pinned with a blue diamond hairpin that was very striking.

“Old Madam, the young masters are back—” Lady Ru, standing behind Old Madam Ren, smiled at us, as warm and kind as I remembered. Old Madam Ren looked over. Wang Zheng smiled and went up to her. “Grandma—”

“Oh—is this Zhengzheng? Come, let this old lady have a look. Mm—” Wang Zheng bent down in front of Old Madam Ren. Her smile stretched ear to ear. The fierceness she used to have was gone. Her years away from the business world had made her seem more gentle and approachable. “Let’s see, haven’t seen you in years. You’ve grown so handsome—why didn’t you come visit this old lady? Ah, look, how beautiful. Your mother says you’re doing well in school and have great skills. Zheng, having this son is really your blessing.”

Old Madam Ren’s eyes shifted and landed on Wang Huizheng beside her. Uncle Wang smiled and said, “I’m flattered by your praise, Old Madam. He’s my only son. You don’t know—we’ve spoiled him rotten. He’s quite temperamental. Still…” Uncle Wang’s gaze turned and settled on me.

“Well, his temperament could learn from the young master. Be more steady—that’s what’s needed for big things.”

I had been standing there quietly, not wanting to say much. Now, several pairs of eyes glanced my way. Old Madam Ren looked at me, and I smiled. “Grandma.”

Old Madam Ren’s lips parted slightly. “Haven’t seen you in years. You’ve grown into fine features. You’re starting to look like your father.”

I smiled. A few uncles and aunts chimed in agreement. From somewhere, Aunt Zhang’s loud voice rang out: “Old Madam, looks like everyone’s here. Dinner can be served.”

Old Madam Ren smiled and stroked the green jade bracelet on her wrist. “Wait a bit. There’s still an important guest.”

Counting everyone, there were nearly thirty. Old Madam Ren was waiting for someone. After a while, a servant came up to say the guest had arrived. Old Madam Ren seemed delighted. She even went to the main door to receive them. Her cheerful laughter carried over: “Junrui, I’ve been waiting for you. Please, come in.”

“You’re too kind, Old Madam. My uncle is unwell and couldn’t come in person, so he sent me to apologize.” I stood to the side, blocked by a few people, only getting a vague glimpse of the figure ahead—tall and lean. Then, a young girl’s voice rang out.

“Old Madam, do you remember who I am?”

That voice…

“Ah, of course I remember. How could this old lady forget such a little beauty? Hey, don’t stand at the door talking. Come in and sit. Tonight, we’re all family—”

Old Madam Ren suddenly turned. “Oh, where’s Riwa?”

“Riwa, Old Madam is calling for you.” A few aunts giggled and pushed me forward, forcing me to the front, though I wished I could find a hole to crawl into and escape.

The young girl’s voice came again: “Old Madam, who is this big brother?”

Old Madam Ren patted my shoulder and laughed. “This is Shuyuan’s big brother—Riwa, why are you keeping your head down? Come, come, Junrui, this is—”

“Ren… Qiri…?”

I looked up at the sound of my name. Before me was a strikingly handsome face—sharp brows and bright eyes, full of spirit. As he looked at me, he seemed to startle, his body swaying slightly. Beside him, the young Shu Yuan asked curiously, “Cousin, do you know this big brother?”